VMG (Velocity Made Good), a new shipyard focused on high-performance luxury trimarans, has revealed new details of its first vessel currently under construction: the 16-meter VMG 53.
Headquartered in New York, and backed by an international team of sailors, designers and industry specialists, VMG has been created to deliver a new generation of offshore cruising trimarans which combine performance, comfort and practical long-range capability.
The VMG 53 is a next‑generation performance trimaran that unites the redundancy, space and practicality expected of a modern multihull with the responsive sailing characteristics of a high‑performance trimaran.
“Designed to eliminate traditional compromises between performance, luxury and dynamic stability, it presents an exterior that is disruptive, purposeful and timeless, underpinned by an innovative deck and propulsion layout engineered for confident short‑handed sailing,” said Michael Schwartz, Founder and Principal of VMG.
Sculpted exterior, effortless inside–out design
The VMG 53’s exterior is defined by flowing, sculpted surfaces that deliberately eliminate flat planes, creating a sense of motion while cleverly concealing its generous interior volume.
On hull number one, a dynamic finish transitions from deep green to rich golden bronze as the light changes, subtly echoing the warmth of the cork, eucalyptus wood and bronze hardware within. This color philosophy creates a continuous emotional connection between exterior and interior, reflecting VMG’s holistic approach to design.
Integrated tender garage and custom carbon tender
At the stern of the central hull, the VMG 53 features a fully enclosed tender garage that preserves the yacht’s clean lines, improves weight distribution and keeps the tender protected and pristine.
The space is designed around VMG’s custom carbon fibre tender, powered by ZeroJet and finished to match the mother vessel, complete with a bespoke cork bumper so that it appears as a natural visual extension of the yacht. A wireless lanyard allows the owner or captain to remotely open the pickup‑style transom door, providing a safe, secure position from which to connect the winch and charging system before launching or retrieving the tender.
The jet configuration simplifies everyday use by eliminating the need to manage an outboard during deployment. For those who prefer a conventional setup, a petrol‑powered version with an integrated sliding outboard mount is also available.
Personal equipment and water toys are stored separately in a dedicated Adventure Locker (which is also an extension of the port suite), underscoring the yacht’s focus on active exploration and clean exterior design.
Twin‑engine propulsion: efficiency, redundancy and range
Breaking with the convention of a single central engine, the VMG 53 employs a twin‑engine layout, integrating one 57 hp engine into each outer hull. In port, the VMG 53 offers the precise manoeuvrability of a twin‑screw yacht.
Under power, the twin 57 hp engines work together to provide comfortable cruising speeds, an impressive top speed and exceptional fuel efficiency. As soon as a modest breeze allows the windward hull to lift, a single engine becomes sufficient for hybrid propulsion, working with the sails, while the second engine is lifted clear of the water to eliminate drag.
The propulsion system has been carefully engineered to maximize the trimaran’s natural efficiency, range and fuel economy, while studies by VPLP confirm excellent maneuverability and significant weight savings compared with more traditional solutions.
Sail pit: operational heart and social hub
At the centre of the VMG 53’s exterior concept lies the sail pit: the yacht’s dedicated operating hub and a defining element of its deck layout. From this single position, every sail control on board can be managed, enabling genuine single- or double‑handed sailing. The mainsheet and the single daggerboard are both handled by a line driver, while the staysail is controlled by a captive winch, with manual redundancy built into every critical function.
Beyond its technical role, the sail pit has been designed as an extension of the yacht’s living space. Positioned within two meters of the on‑deck owner’s suite, and with the forward central helm and navigation station located between them, it forms part of a compact operational set-up that connects sailing, navigation and life on board.
Pass-through and communication hatches connect the sail pit directly with the galley and navigation station, allowing food, drinks and essential information to be exchanged quickly and safely without unnecessary movement around the yacht. Together, these features reinforce the VMG 53’s philosophy of integrating sailing, navigation and life on deck into one highly connected living space.
Furthermore, the sail pit’s proximity delivers a significant safety advantage. With the on‑deck owner’s suite, forward helm, navigation station and sail pit all within a few steps, an owner or captain can move between every critical operational space in seconds when conditions change.
Forward central helm: visibility, connectivity and protection
The forward central helm is designed around four core principles: centralization, visibility, connectivity and protection from the elements. Its position gives the helmsman direct sightlines to the sail pit and the crew managing sail controls, while placing the navigation station and the yacht’s other primary operating areas within immediate reach.
Recognizing that no single helm position is ideal in all conditions, the VMG 53 offers multiple steering positions. In favorable weather, many owners will choose the aft windward helm, enjoying the exhilaration of the flying windward hull. As conditions become more challenging, the forward central helm provides a more stable and sheltered environment, while maintaining instant access to primary controls, navigation systems and the sail pit.
Although an on‑deck suite would traditionally compromise visibility from a forward helm, the VMG 53 incorporates new technology that provides instant 360° vision anywhere on deck level at the touch of a button. The helm is equipped with twin Nemesis displays and a cantilevered wheel, plus two interchangeable seating options: a leaning post for a dynamic, semi‑standing stance during active sailing, and a fully supportive captain’s chair for longer passages and night watches.
The result is an exterior and deck arrangement that never asks owners to compromise. The VMG 53 combines sculpted design with a fully enclosed tender garage and custom carbon tender, an efficient twin-engine propulsion system and a tightly connected triad of sail pit, forward helm and on-deck suite, creating a trimaran that adapts to the way its owners truly want to sail, explore and live on the water.
The first trimaran is slated for delivery in January 2027.
